MOSCOW (Shahid Ghuman) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to undertake a four-day official visit to Russia from November 30, during which he is likely to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in political, diplomatic, trade, economic and energy sectors.
According to diplomatic sources, the proposed visit is expected to feature high-level talks on Pakistan-Russia relations, the regional situation, economic partnership and international issues of mutual interest.
Discussions are likely to focus on expanding bilateral trade, cooperation in the energy sector, oil and gas supplies, investment, industrial development and joint economic projects. Russian cooperation in the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Pakistan Steel Mills, development of energy infrastructure, agriculture and food security may also feature on the agenda.
The two sides are also expected to discuss ways to facilitate banking and financial transactions, improve mechanisms for trade payments and address challenges faced by the business communities in both countries.
Regional and international issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, regional security, stability in South and Central Asia, and cooperation at international forums, may also come under discussion.
A Pakistan-Russia Business Forum is also expected to be held on the sidelines of the visit, with around 100 Pakistani business leaders and representatives of various companies likely to participate.
The forum is expected to provide an opportunity for Pakistani and Russian businesses to hold business-to-business (B2B) meetings aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships, exploring joint investment opportunities and expanding trade between the two countries.
The Pakistani business delegation is likely to include representatives from the textile, agriculture, food, pharmaceutical, industrial products and energy sectors, among others.
Diplomatic sources said a business forum and the participation of a sizeable Pakistani business delegation had also been under consideration during an earlier planned visit by the prime minister, which was subsequently postponed. Key elements of the previous programme are expected to be retained in the proposed visit.
The prime minister is also likely to meet Pakistani students studying in Russia to discuss their educational experiences, concerns and opportunities for greater academic cooperation between the two countries.
In addition, a one-day visit to St Petersburg, Russia's historic and cultural city, is also being considered as part of the programme.
Pakistan and Russia have expanded high-level diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation in recent years, with both countries seeking to deepen ties in trade, energy, industrial development, education and regional connectivity.
The proposed visit is expected to provide further impetus to bilateral relations and create opportunities for enhanced economic engagement. However, the final dates of the visit, the composition of the delegation and the detailed schedule of meetings have yet to be officially announced.